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Department

Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, Dietetics Program

First Advisor

Dr. Enette Larson-Meyer

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Background: Vitamin D deficiency is endemic in the general population; however, there is much to be learned about vitamin D status in athletes. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in collegiate athletes and determine whether 25(OH)D concentrations are related to vitamin D intake, sun exposure, body composition, and risk for athletic injury/illness. Methods: 25(OH)D concentrations were measured in 41 athletes throughout the academic year. Dietary intake and lifestyle habits were assessed via questionnaire, bone density was measured by DEXA and injury/illness were documented by athletic trainers. Results: 25(OH)D concentrations changed across time (p=0.001) and averaged 49.0±16.6, 30.5±9.4 and 41.9±14.6 ng/mL in the fall, winter and spring, respectively. Using 32 ng/mL as the cutoff for insufficiency, 12.2%, 63.6% and 20.0% of athletes had insufficient status in the fall, winter and spring, respectively. 25(OH)D concentrations in the spring (r=-0.40; p=0.048) and winter (r=-0.33; p=0.065) were correlated with frequency of illness. Conclusion: Results suggest that collegiate athletes would benefit from supplementation during the winter to prevent seasonal decreases in 25(OH)D concentrations. Results further suggest that insufficient vitamin D status increases illness risk. Future research is needed to identify whether 25(OH)D status influences injury risk during.

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Since July 21, 2014

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Vitamin D Status in Relation to Diet, Lifestyle Habits, Injury and Illness in College Athletes

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is endemic in the general population; however, there is much to be learned about vitamin D status in athletes. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in collegiate athletes and determine whether 25(OH)D concentrations are related to vitamin D intake, sun exposure, body composition, and risk for athletic injury/illness. Methods: 25(OH)D concentrations were measured in 41 athletes throughout the academic year. Dietary intake and lifestyle habits were assessed via questionnaire, bone density was measured by DEXA and injury/illness were documented by athletic trainers. Results: 25(OH)D concentrations changed across time (p=0.001) and averaged 49.0±16.6, 30.5±9.4 and 41.9±14.6 ng/mL in the fall, winter and spring, respectively. Using 32 ng/mL as the cutoff for insufficiency, 12.2%, 63.6% and 20.0% of athletes had insufficient status in the fall, winter and spring, respectively. 25(OH)D concentrations in the spring (r=-0.40; p=0.048) and winter (r=-0.33; p=0.065) were correlated with frequency of illness. Conclusion: Results suggest that collegiate athletes would benefit from supplementation during the winter to prevent seasonal decreases in 25(OH)D concentrations. Results further suggest that insufficient vitamin D status increases illness risk. Future research is needed to identify whether 25(OH)D status influences injury risk during.